Bring up the NBA’s best three-point shooters of all time and the discussion will often revolve around guys like Larry Bird and Reggie Miller. Despite Bird’s legendary confidence and funky stroke, it was Miller who owned the three-point crown, nailing over 2,560 in his storied career. It seemed like a record that was destined to have some legs, considering that guys who are pure shooters nowadays are so specialized that they can’t be counted on to be on the court at all times. Hi, Jason Kapono…

That would be the case if Ray Allen wasn’t around. A storied career that includes multiple All-Star selections, an Olympic Gold Medal and an NBA Championship, Allen’s career seem to hit full circle the night he broke Miller’s record. Playing for the Boston Celtics, he hit #2,561 against the rival Los Angeles Lakers and with Miller in attendance as an announcer for TNT.

When Allen broke the record, he was wearing a beautiful Air Jordan XIII PE. With the “Sugar Ray” logo stitched on the tongue, this Celtic Green colorway was every bit as smooth as Ray’s game. It was released this past July and is rumored to be limited to only 2,561 pairs and came with a retro-style big head t-shirt.

And no, don’t ask me how Jason Kidd is #3 on the all-time three-point list. I still can’t believe it to this day…

#7 reveals what could have been for Russell Westbrook’s best bud…

Check out the updated list so far…

#20-11 – The contenders that did not make the top ten…

#10 – Air Jordan I “Banned”

#9 – Supreme x Nike SB 94

With the year coming to a close and only one more major release left (Nike LeBron 9 “Freegums”), now is a great time to unveil the Nike Examiner’s list for the top ten Nike kicks of the year. 2011 was a great year for kicks and included plenty of monumental releases that resonated not only with the sneaker aficionados, but in the pop culture world as well. From the return of the most memorable colorway of the one of the most beloved shoes of all time to the maturation of the LeBron James’ signature line to a celebration 80s nostalgia, Nike kept collectors busy all year with its myriad of definitive releases.

Just to be clear, this list includes anything and everything that was released to the public under the Nike umbrella, so that includes Jordan Brand, Converse and even Cole Haan (yes, we can get sophisticated here too). What it also means is that exclusives created only for friends and family and select Nike athletes are not included in this list. We want to honor all of the great Nike kicks of the past year, but it’s not fair that the public has to watch top ten list is full of kicks that they don’t have a chance of hell of ever owning. And of course, this list is representative of my personal taste and mine alone. If you disagree with any of these choices, you are more than free to comment below or argue with me on Twitter, I guess.